Thursday, December 29, 2016

Working in the field of
cancer research have attracted many people coming up to me and ask: “Is there a cure for cancer yet”, “I heard meditation would help heal the body
from this disease” or “Have you read
this article about this therapy that would put drug companies out of business”.
The last one I’ve seen a lot in particular, and it sounds like a click-bait link
that wants to make you to believe treating cancer is that simple. To help better understand where we are at
scientifically, and current knowledge and treatment for this disease, I thought
I repost this “Top 5 age-old cancer
myths debunked” article from Leap Magazine last winter. As a
scientist, we are doing our best to uncover some of the unanswered questions
about cancer, in hopes that our discovery can one day be translated for
clinical use, and innovate better treatment to fight this disease. Here are the
top 5 most common myths about cancer and the actual facts behind them.

1.Cancer is
a modern and man-made disease.

In
reality, cancer has existed as long as humans have. Egyptian and Greek
researchers wrote about it thousands of years ago, and researchers have since
found signs of cancer in a 3,000-year-old skeleton. Michaela Binder, a PhD
student at Durham University, found the hole-riddled skeleton, which dates back
o around 1,200 BC, at the Amara West site in northern Sudan. Binder’s finding
is of particular interest as it is 2,000 years older than the previously confirmed
instance of the disease. The fact is, the biggest factor for contracting cancer
is age – because more people are living longer, and we have eradicated many
infectious diseases, the DNA in people’s cells gets damaged over time, leaving
them more susceptible to getting cancer.

2.Cancer
cells like sugar.

Some
people believe that cancer feeds on sugar, and therefore it should be removed
from all patients’ diets. In actuality, all cells, whether cancerous or not,
use glucose for energy. The body does not choose which cells get fuel, but
instead converts all the carbohydrates we eat to glucose, fructose and simple
sugars. Tissues then use them for energy as needed. Researchers are currently
working to discover the difference in energy use of cancerous versus healthy
cells, and are trying to use the data to develop better cancer treatments.
Experts say that while limiting sugar is part of a healthy diet. It’s not
accurate to say sugar in our food specifically feeds cancer cells.

3.They have
found a cancer cure.

While
everything from coffee enemas to cannabis has been touted as a miracle cure, no
such salve has been proven to eradicate cancer. Often, success are difficult to
discern – not knowing the “patient’s” medical diagnosis, stage of disease or
even outlook, if they have actually been cured or even had cancer to begin
with. There is also no mention of the people who may have tried the “cures” and
died. Researchers say thi sis the reason why peer-reviewed, rigorous lab
research and clinical trials are necessary – to determine whether a prospective
treatments is safe and effective, and that this is the standard to which all
cancer treatments should be held.

4.Drug
companies are keeping the cure a secret.

Almost
everyone has heard the claim hat a cure for cancer has actually been found, but
pharmaceutical companies are making so much money off the disease, they are
suppressing it. But logic would say that it would be in pharmaceutical
companies’ best interest to reveal the cure or drug, with huge sales of the
antidote sure to follow. And one can’t discount the fact that people who work
for pharmaceutical companies and doctors are just that: people. They can and do
get cancer, and some have even die from it. To say that they are the ones behind a cure being revealed is a bit difficult to believe when viewed in this light.

5.Cancer
treatment kills rather than cure.

It’s true
that the side-effects of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery are real and
unpleasant, but it’s important to remember that they are designed to kill cancer
cells. Unfortunately, that sometimes means affecting healthy cells too. The
later the stage a cancer has reached before attempting treatment, the less a
chance that it will work. Surgery is still considered the best treatment for
cancer, but it needs to be diagnosed early enough to be effective. Radiotherapy
is known to cure more people than cancer drugs, but drugs and chemo do play an
important part in cancer treatment, whether it’s to prolong a life or, in some
cases, cure the disease.

xx Do the things you are passionate about; Learn from ones
who inspire you; Strive to become an expert at what you do xxBinzento Vincente: A Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

I've
arrived at my first stop, Tampa Florida to pursue an exciting cancer research
career ahead of me. Many have asked before I left Canada if that means I am
putting my passion for fashion behind. After all, Florida isn't exactly the
place I want to be to work in fashion. But HEY, if I could make it in Canada, I
can probably make it anywhere. My appraoch? Is to first discover like
like-minded and unique aesthetic individuals around the area. Through doing
some research on different blogs and social media, I found Nicholas Trobiano, a city & style blogger based out of Tampa
Bay. As a "GQ Insider", he's definitely the guy to go to here if you
want to discuss about gentlemen's fashion and luxury lifestyle. I've had the
opportunity to interview him; My very first interview segment in this new
adventure in Florida.

Who is Nicholas
Trobiano?

I am
a city and style blogger in Tampa, Florida. I grew up in South Florida before
moving to Tampa in 2008 to study marketing and journalism at The University of
South Florida. I first started my blog, nicholastrobiano.com, as a creative outlet of my job in marketing. I
needed a space where I could create and tell stories that reflected my vision
rather than someone else’s. At the time, very few bloggers wrote about life in
Tampa Bay, so I saw it as an opportunity to uncover the interesting,
architectural, and sartorial places around me. So far, it has worked.

How would you describe your
style?

My style is simple and monochromatic. Most people who know me
think I only wear all-black. But in truth, I think all black makes me more creative.
Sure, it is easy to match the color, but to combine unique cuts or interesting
fabrics and hardware is much more interesting. That is where I get creative.

Do you have a particular
favorite brand(s) or designer(s) and why?

Tom Ford is my biggest inspiration and is incomparable, in my
opinion. But other designers including Kris Van Assche, Olivier Rousteing,
Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior.

What is the fashion scene like
in Tampa?

Tampa style is hard to pin down. It’s a mix of Urban
Outfitters, lululemon, and J Crew. There is an overwhelming preppy-vibe that is
heavily influenced by leisure and athleticwear. In my opinion, Tampa men have
some work to do. As convenient as gym shorts may be may be, wicking fabrics
shouldn’t dominate anyone’s closet.

Do you find it difficult to
exhibit personal fashion in sunny places such as Tampa all year round?

I certainly yearn for options since being outdoors in
anything other than a swimsuit and tank top is typically a chore, but fortunately,
I rarely leave the air conditioning. So I am able to wear my self-imposed “uniform”
of a all-black shirts, denim, and boots all year.

If we were to travel to Tampa,
what would is the first thing you recommend (shopping or food)?

Coffee. It is a bit of an unknown secret, but Tampa has a
vast coffee scene that continues to grow. My suggestions would be Buddy Brew
Coffee in Tampa or Bandit Coffee Co. in St. Petersburg. Both serve great brews
and have exceptionally friendly staffs. Plus, their music selections are always
spot-on.

Between New York, London, Milan
and Paris, which fashion week(s) do you like the most?

I love the city of New York, but I would have to say London
Fashion Week Men’s is my favorite of them all. I am most excited to see what
happens in London, not necessarily for the ready-to-wear pieces because quite
frankly I am not sure how much of them I would wear personally. But unlike the
other cities that venerate suits, top coats and traditional menswear garments,
London champions the non-conformists who push the limits of menswear. Just look
at what Bobby Abley has done over the past few seasons. Can you imagine him
showing his collection alongside Hermès or Saint Laurent? I cannot.

Do you have upcoming projects
you like to share with my readers?

I am working closely with some exciting partners to bring you
my favorite products of the holiday season. Be sure to follow me on Facebook,
NICHOLAS TROBIANO, and Instagram, @nicholastrobiano, for photos, stories, and
maybe a couple other surprises.

xx Do the things you are passionate about; Learn from ones
who inspire you; Strive to become an expert at what you do xxBinzento Vincente: A Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

Friday, December 9, 2016

Combining avant-garde aesthetic and traditional Scandinavian
minimalism, Filip Bjernebo’s South Lane Stockholmaccessories label pulls
together his inspirations from travelling the world. As such, the latest AVANT
collection propels the brand into the world of high fashion, redefine the
meaning of a true cosmopolite.

The 28-year old Swedish designer grew up in Sweden,
then moved to the UK and now resides in my hometown of Hong Kong.
In 2008, he launched his first web-only accessories brand. Slowly it became
more elaborate as he traveled to even more destinations, and taking elements
from these places into his works.

The foundation of all designs contain Scandinavian
aesthetics (very clean and minimal), then propelled by details such as Parisian
architecture, the excitement of NYC’s urban flavor and East London’s
street-savvy vibes. The 2016 AVANT collection is comprised of 10 timepieces.
Because each watch plate is individually hand-scratched, resulting in a raw,
industrialized and avant-garde detailing, hence each one is considered ‘unqiue’
and ‘one-of-a-kind’.

Currently, Bjernerbo’s collection can be found in department
stores, such as Harvey Nicols, Luisa Via Roma, and many boutiques in Europe,
USA, Asia and the Middle East.

xx Do the things you are passionate about; Learn from ones who inspire you; Strive to become an expert at what you do xxBinzento Vincente: A Fashion & Lifestyle Blog